TWO Edinburgh restaurants have suddenly shut their doors for good this week, immediately following the unexpected closure of a local bakery.
The Gardener’s Cottage, just off London Road, and its sister restaurant The Lookout, on Calton Hill, made the announcement yesterday.
However, with the news only appearing in a banner on their websites rather than a social media post, some potential diners may not be aware.
It comes right after locals were left shocked by the closure of the popular Cuckoo’s Bakery, which had three branches across the city.
Despite appearing busy in recent weeks, the company blamed the current economy, likely due to the rising prices of ingredients and the cost-of-living crisis.
The Gardener’s Cottage opened in 2012 and had reportedly been taken over by new management earlier this year.
It was once home to a royal gardener, and much of the produce used in its dishes comes from its kitchen garden.
The Lookout, located atop Calton Hill, opened in 2016 and offered spectacular views across the city.
Both had received rave reviews from restaurant critics including AA Gill and Jay Rayner.
No explanation was given for the sudden closure, and the brief line which appears on their website simply says both establishments are “permanently closed”.
It thanks patrons for their support over the years.
The news of Cuckoo’s Bakery closing its doors was initially spotted by locals, who clocked a notice on the door of one of its branches, announcing it would cease trading on Monday.
Once the winner of “Best Cake in Scotland” in 2014, it opened its first shop in Dundas Street in 2011, followed by two more in Bruntsfield Place and Grindlay Street.
It gained attention shortly before the Scottish independence referendum after selling cupcakes iced with Saltires and Union Jacks in a bizarre twist on an opinion poll.
The notice was quickly followed by a post to social media yesterday which read: “It is with great sadness that we have come to the difficult decision to cease trading.
“Like many other small independent businesses, the current economy has proven too much for us to continue.
“We would like to express our gratitude to our wonderful customers and our dedicated staff and suppliers for their support.
“Customers will be contacted in due course. All our best wishes for 2025.”
It received over 100 comments from locals left saddened by the news.
One wrote: “Oh, I’m so sad to hear that. As a family we have had multiple special birthday cakes from yourselves and I have enjoyed so many gorgeous cupcakes over the last few years.
“I really hope this isn’t the end and somehow you are able to rise like a phoenix and provide your gorgeous creations again in the future.”
Another said: “Oh, I’m so sorry to hear this.
“I’ve always loved your cupcakes, and remember with great affection the ‘Aye’ / ‘Naw’ / ‘Mebbe’ (sic) ones from the 2014 independence referendum.”
A third added: “I always loved your cakes and made sure I had one every time I came to Edinburgh. So sorry to hear you’ve had to close. If you ever make a cookbook I’ll buy it.”
